We're building a horse barn and need help in choosing the right compact tractor. We live in Montana, and really want to have a cab. We need to be able to spear and unstack (not stack, that will be done at delivery) bales of hay. We would also like to be able to run a small backhoe off the tractor. Can anyone advise us as to the smallest, simplest to operate tractor that would meet our needs? Any help would really, really be welcome.
Buying Advice Best compact utility tractor
- Thread starter rroubaix
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TripleR
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My personal preference is for the Grand L Series Kubotas, but John Deere, Kioti, New Holland and others also make excellent tractors. There is not going to be a "universal best" as one person's preference is an others dislike; case in point, I hate left foot brakes while some love them, so I won't buy a John Deere though it's a great tractor.
My inclination would be for nothing under 35-40 HP with HST. I don't do round bales, so hopefully someone like TEXASJOHN or someone else can give you some advice. Good luck in your search.
My inclination would be for nothing under 35-40 HP with HST. I don't do round bales, so hopefully someone like TEXASJOHN or someone else can give you some advice. Good luck in your search.
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Welcome to TBN...Of course you're going to get many views on this Q...I'll kick it off by saying my Kubota BX23 (sub compact) has worked very well for me and my applications...It's a TLB package and it's been able to do the chores/tasks I've tackled with it...You'll probably want a bigger tractor for your use...Good luck with your quest.
Don
Don
Thomas
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Welcome to TBN.
There's so-so many models to pick from compare to 10-15 years ago..whew.
If name brand doesn't matter much I would seek out dealer w/good back ground..advice/service,also if Mrs going to operate have her feel comfortable and safe..purchase some lantern than kick back and try TBN search,lots of great advice.
There's so-so many models to pick from compare to 10-15 years ago..whew.
If name brand doesn't matter much I would seek out dealer w/good back ground..advice/service,also if Mrs going to operate have her feel comfortable and safe..purchase some lantern than kick back and try TBN search,lots of great advice.
1ID
Member
I didn't know there were any other tractors but GREEN ones ! Seriuosly, I would go look drive , touch , feel, and check out the dealers track record. look at cab comfort as well. I would look at around what horsepower grade you are going to likely need and start there. I would think your decision will be more of what was previously stated instead of what BRAND. I really haven't heard of any bad ones, that I can think of. Good luck!:thumbsup:
Seriuosly, I would go look drive , touch , feel, and check out the dealers track record. look at cab comfort as well. I would look at around what horsepower grade you are going to likely need and start there. I would think your decision will be more of what was previously stated instead of what BRAND. I really haven't heard of any bad ones, that I can think of. Good luck!:thumbsup:
Samandothers
Platinum Member
I have a Kubota L4240 HST and really like it and the functionality. I don't have a cab but imagine that would be a must in your climate for winter work. I have really enjoyed my tractor, however if I were buying new again and shop dealers nearby and sit on a bunch of units. See what fits the best and the dealer you feel comfortable with. By 42 hp about 36 at pto (HST) does all I have asked with the backhoe, loader grapple, rotary cutter and post hole digger. I have not lifted bales of hay but imagine if you loader is rated for the lift you would only need to ensure you have proper ballast via loaded tires and rear attachment. If you get some idea of horsepower then the rest is sit and ride on a few and talk with some dealers.
flusher
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Johndeere3720
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I'd say a Kubota B3030 or a JohnDeere 3320-3720.
brin
Super Member
Apparently TBN was a Kubota only site when it first started...I highly recommend New Holland or John Deere...I have owned both, the John Deere for over 25 yrs. and the New Holland TC-29 D for 10 yrs. The New Holland 29D is a great tractor..I have had no problems in 10 yrs. and I do all my own maintenance and lubrication...I have a front end loader which you would want on a horse farm...it has plenty of power and you could get a good used one in this economy at a real good price.
CDsdad
Platinum Member
There are as many options for you as there are opinions on here. Identify first exactly what you want to do. Then look at as many models and brands as possible. Find what you like.
Personally, I think you need something in the 35-45 hp range, preferably on the higher end. I would not look at the anything smaller than say a Kubota 3540 or a Massey Ferguson 164x, or that similar size in another brand, except JD (green is overrated).
Personally, I think you need something in the 35-45 hp range, preferably on the higher end. I would not look at the anything smaller than say a Kubota 3540 or a Massey Ferguson 164x, or that similar size in another brand, except JD (green is overrated).
RobertN
Super Member
It was. I was here Although my sig says 2000, was here a couple years before, before it was called TBN. Funny though, now I have a New Holland
Although my sig says 2000, was here a couple years before, before it was called TBN. Funny though, now I have a New Holland 
Gittyup
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40hp minimum with good strong loader specs. Probably HST for it's ease. Get rear remotes, loaded tires, and QA loader style. Other than that, it's really about preference/dealer location.
Egon
Epic Contributor
What size will the bales be and what size will the future bales be? Chances are you will have large bales available.
For the hoe what do you want to dig and how deep? Will you need height to load a truck or trailer?
Next, a stall mucking tractor may not be the tractor that is going to move your bales!
How much snow/mud/ice /hills will you have to deal with?
All sorta questions that go into the final decision.
As to specific tractor make goes choose after you know what you want to do with it and what conditions it has to work in.
Do lots of shopping first cause that's always fun!:thumbsup:
For the hoe what do you want to dig and how deep? Will you need height to load a truck or trailer?
Next, a stall mucking tractor may not be the tractor that is going to move your bales!
How much snow/mud/ice /hills will you have to deal with?
All sorta questions that go into the final decision.
As to specific tractor make goes choose after you know what you want to do with it and what conditions it has to work in.
Do lots of shopping first cause that's always fun!:thumbsup:
art
Super Member
In the Kubota line-up I'd be looking into a 3240 at a minimum do to the round bales with the larger loader.
The perfered might be to move up in size so you could get a 9' hoe, for trenching the cab's can be a hinderence when having to move the tractor often and the longer reach would be appreciated.
The perfered might be to move up in size so you could get a 9' hoe, for trenching the cab's can be a hinderence when having to move the tractor often and the longer reach would be appreciated.
mx5guy
Silver Member
Hi Rroubaix
Why not post the different Forums the same question with maybe a little more details, and see what you get, also check out financing & warranty available online with different vendors, some warranties & rates are much better than others, Good Luck and don't rush your desision.
Why not post the different Forums the same question with maybe a little more details, and see what you get, also check out financing & warranty available online with different vendors, some warranties & rates are much better than others, Good Luck and don't rush your desision.
LAWALLSTRACTOR
Veteran Member
If you can check out a TYM T433 cab with loader, or a Mahindra 4510 cab.
schmism
Super Member
to work round bales with an FEL you certainly want a class 3 CUT
I think the only newholland/case class 3 CUT that comes with a cab is a TC55 (whatever the new version is called....4060?)
Kubota is L40 seires again 40+hp required AFAIK
of the things you said you want to do backhoe, FEL round bales and cab. Those requirements are all large 40hp+ class 3 CUT territory.
not many if any of the 30hp range class2 CUT's will do any of that other than smaller 7' ish backhoes.
both 40+ hp class 3 CUTS
I think the only newholland/case class 3 CUT that comes with a cab is a TC55 (whatever the new version is called....4060?)
Kubota is L40 seires again 40+hp required AFAIK
of the things you said you want to do backhoe, FEL round bales and cab. Those requirements are all large 40hp+ class 3 CUT territory.
not many if any of the 30hp range class2 CUT's will do any of that other than smaller 7' ish backhoes.
both 40+ hp class 3 CUTS
AKfish
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As other's have mentioned - brand or color - is not a critical decision point. Good local dealer is very important!
However, you'll make a better decision if/when you better define the work and the scope of those jobs.
Are you planning to move/feed 40 bales a year or 400? Are you planning to build a house (and barn) or dig irrigation ditches? Will you need a mower or other implements besides a loader and backhoe? Snow blower? Push blade?
If you only need to move a few dozen bales a year and an 8' hole (or trench) is deep enough... then 45hp @ pto is likely big enough.
Best of luck (and enjoy your quest).
AKfish
However, you'll make a better decision if/when you better define the work and the scope of those jobs.
Are you planning to move/feed 40 bales a year or 400? Are you planning to build a house (and barn) or dig irrigation ditches? Will you need a mower or other implements besides a loader and backhoe? Snow blower? Push blade?
If you only need to move a few dozen bales a year and an 8' hole (or trench) is deep enough... then 45hp @ pto is likely big enough.
Best of luck (and enjoy your quest).
AKfish
Gittyup
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- Kioti CK25 Shuttle Shift, loaded tires, JD X739
OP asked for clarification of terminology...
HST: Hydrostatic transmission (sort of an automatic - no gears), gives very fine control. Does steal a little more Hp away from other functions. Most would say is faster and safer for loader work.
rear remotes: hydraulic quick connect ports that let you hook up anything that can use hydraulics: wood splitter, high lift forks, hydraulic top link/side link, backhoe, post driver, etc. Get two sets.
loaded tires: fluid in tires for added ballast weight and stability. For your application, I would think you'd want Ag tires instead of industrial.
QA loader: Quick Attach, ala skidsteer style. Allows you to change out the bucket quickly for forks, grapple, snow blower, etc.
Looking for bang for the buck? Check out the Kioti CK40 or the Bobcat equivalent. I think the CK40 has one of the most powerful loaders in that HP class, and they are priced right.
